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Numerous reports have summarized the importance of factors that might predict the outcome of ESWL. In this report from Pakistan the authors looked at data obtained from NCCT-examinations carried out in 74 patients. The measurements were compared with results of ESWL success. It is of note that as many as 80% of the patients had their stones in the proximal ureter. This is opposite to the statement in the Introduction that only 25% of ureteral stones were located at that level.

The mean number of ESWL-sessions was approximately 1.5 both for patients with and without successful treatment.

The conclusions drawn were that SSD, HU-units, HU-density and BMI were significantly different between those with and without success. The multivariate analysis emphasized the importance of SSD, HU and stone surface area.

In view of the demonstrated importance of SSD, it seems desirable to add to modern lithotripters the possibility to measure this distance in line with the shock wave path, rather that to use an average of measurements in three different angles on the NCCT. Although it might be late to know this distance when the patient is already on the lithotripter table, this knowledge nevertheless might indicate that a higher than normal energy level might be useful.

Numerous reports have summarized the importance of factors that might predict the outcome of ESWL. In this report from Pakistan the authors looked at data obtained from NCCT-examinations carried out in 74 patients. The measurements were compared with results of ESWL success. It is of note that as many as 80% of the patients had their stones in the proximal ureter. This is opposite to the statement in the Introduction that only 25% of ureteral stones were located at that level.
The mean number of ESWL-sessions was approximately 1.5 both for patients with and without successful treatment.
The conclusions drawn were that SSD, HU-units, HU-density and BMI were significantly different between those with and without success. The multivariate analysis emphasized the importance of SSD, HU and stone surface area.
In view of the demonstrated importance of SSD, it seems desirable to add to modern lithotripters the possibility to measure this distance in line with the shock wave path, rather that to use an average of measurements in three different angles on the NCCT. Although it might be late to know this distance when the patient is already on the lithotripter table, this knowledge nevertheless might indicate that a higher than normal energy level might be useful.